Teacher Certification

Why become a teacher?  Maybe you want to pursue a passion in math, history, the arts or some other subject.  Perhaps you seek a lifestyle compatible with summer research or travel and with raising a family.  Most importantly, you like working with young people and want to contribute to the future good of the community.

Teaching is art, craft and profession rolled into one.  Lawrence's liberal arts approach to teacher education is more than teacher training.  We prepare educators to ask "why" and not simply "what" or "how," to turn a critical eye to the world their students inhabit, and to meet new challenges as they arise.  We believe the most effective teachers master their subjects, know how their subjects relate to other fields and commit themselves to a lifetime of learning.  They also articulate a philosophy of education that guides their decision-making, use the best pedagogical techniques available and think critically about their practice.

In Lawrence's teacher education program, students:

• acquire a broad education in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences (that is, in the liberal arts)
• achieve intellectual depth by majoring in the subject they intend to teach
• gain expertise in educational theory and practice through coursework and practical experience in classroom settings

Our program prepares Lawrence graduates to teach in diverse settings, to connect their subject matter with broad human concerns and to help their students develop their talents and find purpose in their lives.

Early Childhood through Middle Childhood (Grades PreK-6)

Students who want to teach elementary school can choose any major in the college or conservatory and complete their certification through teacher education courses and a 5th-year apprenticeship.

Early Adolescence through Adolescence (Grades 5-12)

Students who want to teach middle or high school can choose any of the following majors:

• English
• Social Studies: History, Government, Economics, Psychology, or Anthropology
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Computer Science

Broad-field certification in social studies or science is available to those who supplement their major with additional courses.

Early Childhood through Adolescence (Grades K-12)

Students can pursue special-field certification (grades K-12) in any of the following majors:

• Studio Art
• Music (as a music education major in the Conservatory)
• Theatre Arts
• Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, or Latin
• English as a Second Language (with the Teaching ESL minor in linguistics)